Ohio village mayor accused of theft in office

Published: January 11, 2013 9:05AM

JACKSONVILLE, Ohio (AP) -- The longtime former mayor of a village in southeastern Ohio has been charged with theft in office.

Prosecutors said George Pallo, who resigned as mayor of the Athens County village of Jacksonville this week, is accused of stealing more than $19,000 during 2011 and 2012. He was charged Thursday with two counts each of grand theft and theft in office.

He is accused of depositing money donated to the village into a separate account and taking some it for personal use. The county prosecutor said Pallo used the money to pay off some debt, refinance his home and purchase lottery tickets.

The 54-year-old Pallo has been mayor of the village of 480 residents for nearly 30 years. Information about his legal representation wasn't immediately available.